ES2732868T3 - Flexible reclosable container with reinforced perimeter - Google Patents

Abstract

Flexible container comprising: a base member (10) defining a cavity (30) configured to receive an article therein, the base member (10) comprising a rim (15), wherein the rim (15) defines a outer edge (14); and a cover member (20) configured to join the base member (10) to cover the cavity (30) and hold the article within the base member (10), where the cover member (20) is configured to detach from the base member (10) to give access to the cavity (30) and is configured to reclose on the base member (10), where the cover member (20) comprises: a first layer (70) configured to wrap around the flange (15) of the base member (10) and extending at least towards the outer edge (14) of the flange (15), a second layer (80) laminated to the first layer (70) by a layer of adhesive (45), wherein the adhesive layer (45) comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (40) that is configured to separate from the first layer (70) when at least a portion of the cover member (20) is peeled away from the base member (10), a perimeter portion (60) adjacent an outer edge (48) of the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) , so that the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) is inwardly separated from the outer edge (14) of the flange (15) by the perimeter portion (60) and a cut line (22) between the adhesive pressure sensitive (40) and perimeter portion (60), characterized in that the cut line (22) extends at least partially through a thickness of the first layer (70) towards the base member (10 ), so that the cover member (20) is separated from the base member (10) by a contact surface arranged between the first layer (70) and the base member (10) on an outer side of the line of cut (22) and by a contact surface arranged between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the first layer (70) on an inner side of the cut line (22).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Flexible reclosable container with reinforced perimeter

BACKGROUND

[0001] This description refers to packaging for products and, more specifically, to packaging made from flexible laminated materials. The description especially refers to packages that include a base member and a cover member, where the cover member includes features to prevent or minimize leakage of the contents of the container.

[0002] Flexible laminated materials can be used to make product packages. Said container may include a base member, such as a plastic container or tray, composite packaging can, or other container, and a cover member made with multiple layers of flexible laminated films that can be detached from the base member to give access to the contents of the package (eg, meat, cheese, etc.). In some cases, the detachable portion may be designed to reattach to the rest of the package to provide a reclosing feature in order to store the unused content of an open container. Often, the contents of the package may include a liquid component, such as juice, oil, or other liquids.

[0003] WO2009 / 111153 describes a flexible laminated container with an integrated opening / reclosing function. An opening to a cavity in the package has a flange to which a cover member of laminated material is recessibly attached.

[0004] EP1052186 describes a multilayer structure for a reclosable container closure. The multi-layer structure comprises three layers, a first layer that can be heat welded along the perimeter of the opening of a container and a second layer that is attached to the first layer. A third layer of permanent adhesive is interposed between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer is torn off during the first opening of the container, exposing the third layer, which can be used to re-close the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The embodiments of the invention described herein provide improved packages and methods for making packages that reduce or prevent the leakage of the liquid component of the contents out of the package. In particular, the embodiments of the invention include a reinforced perimeter portion that blocks the channels that can be formed on an adhesive contact surface (for example, between the base member and the cover member) and prevents them from extending into the edge of the base member, so that the liquids contained in the package cannot leave the outside of the container. The present invention discloses a flexible package comprising:

a base member defining a cavity configured to receive an article therein, the base member comprising a flange, where the flange defines an outer edge; Y

a cover member configured to join the base member to cover the cavity and keep the article inside the base member, where the cover member is configured to detach from the base member to give access to the cavity and is configured to close again on the base member,

where the cover member comprises:

a first layer configured to wrap the flange of the base member and extending at least toward the outer edge of the flange,

a second layer laminated in the first layer by an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive that is configured to separate from the first layer when at least a part of the cover member is detached from the base member , and a perimeter portion adjacent to an outer edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive, such that the pressure sensitive adhesive is separated inwardly from the outer edge of the flange by the perimeter portion; Y

a cutting line between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the perimeter portion, where the cutting line extends at least partially through a thickness of the first layer towards the base member, so that the cover member is separated from the base member by a contact surface disposed between the first layer and the base member on an external side of the cutting line and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on one side Internal cutting line.

[0006] In some cases, the perimeter portion may be defined by the first layer. In addition, the first layer and the perimeter portion can extend outwardly beyond the outer edge of the base member flange and can define an opening tab.

[0007] In other cases, the perimeter portion may comprise permanent adhesive. A fragile layer can be arranged between the adhesive layer and the first layer. The cover member may, in some cases, comprise a cutting line that extends through a thickness of the first layer outward from the outer edge of the flange to define an opening tab. The package may further comprise a fragile layer between the first layer and the flange of the base member. The cover member may comprise a cut line that extends through a thickness of the first layer at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the perimeter portion, and the cut line is it can extend at least partially through a thickness of the first layer between the base member and the adhesive layer, so that the cover member can be separated from the base member in the fragile layer on an outer side of the line cutting and on a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on an inner side of the cutting line.

[0008] The cover member, in some cases, may further comprise a layer of ink disposed on an inner surface of the second layer between the adhesive layer and the second layer. In addition, or alternatively, the second layer of the cover member may comprise a protective material.

[0009] The invention also discloses a method for manufacturing a flexible package according to claim 8. According to the method, a base member is formed which has a cavity configured to receive an article therein and a flange, where the flange Define an outer edge. A first layer of material is laminated into a second layer of material to form a cover member by applying a pressure sensitive adhesive between the first and second layers, and creating a perimeter portion between the first and second layers that are arranged adjacent to an outer edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive. In this sense, the pressure sensitive adhesive can be separated inwardly from the outer edge of the flange. The cover member is attached to the base member in a location corresponding to the perimeter portion, so that the cover member covers the cavity and keeps the article inside the base member. At least a portion of the cover member is configured to detach from the base member to give access to the cavity and is configured to re-close on the base member by means of the pressure sensitive adhesive. According to the invention, a cutting line is created through a thickness of at least the first layer before joining the cover member to the base member, where the cutting line defines an opening tongue towards the outside of the line of cut that a user can grab to detach the cover member from the base member in order to give access to the cavity. The creation of the perimeter portion may comprise the formation of a thicker area using a polyethylene emulsion of the first layer. The creation of the cutting line comprises the creation of the cutting line between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the perimeter portion, so that the cover member is separated from the base member by a contact surface disposed between the first layer and the base member on an outer side of the cutting line and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on an inner side of the cutting line.

[0010] In other cases, the creation of the perimeter portion may comprise the application of permanent adhesive to a perimeter zone of the first layer, so that the permanent adhesive is disposed adjacent to the outer edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive. A fragile layer can be created between the adhesive layer and the first layer, where the cutting line extends through a thickness of the first layer to the outside of the outer edge of the flange to define the opening tab. In other embodiments, a fragile layer can be created between the first layer and the flange of the base member, where the cutting line extends through a thickness of the first layer at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the perimeter portion, so that the cover member can be separated from the base member by the fragile layer on an external side of the cutting line and by a contact surface disposed between the sensitive adhesive to the pressure and the first layer on an inner side of the cutting line.

[0011] In some embodiments, an ink layer may be applied to an inner surface of the second layer between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the second layer. In addition, or alternatively, the cover member may be heat sealed to the base member at a location corresponding to the perimeter portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT VIEWS OF THE DRAWING (S)

[0012] Thus, after having described the description in general terms, reference will now be made to the attached drawings, which are not necessarily described to scale, and where:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container with a base member and a cover member in the closed position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a partially open position;

Figure 3 is a top view of a conventional package;

Figure 4 is a close-up view of the conventional package of Figure 3, showing channels extending from an inner edge of the flange to an outer edge of the flange of the container;

Figure 5 is a top view of a cover member of a container with a reinforced perimeter portion according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 6 is a close-up view of the container of Figure 5, showing the reinforced perimeter portion that prevents the channels from extending from the inner edge of the flange to the outer edge of the flange of the container according to an example of realization;

Figure 7 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cover member with a reinforced perimeter and a base member in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 8 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member with the reinforced perimeter and the base member of Figure 7 in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 9 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cover member with a reinforced perimeter and a base member in a closed position according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 10 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member with the reinforced perimeter and the base member of Figure 9 in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 11 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a cover member with a reinforced perimeter and a base member in a closed position according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 12 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member with the reinforced perimeter and the base member of Figure 11 in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the container presenting a salt shaker configuration with a base member and a cover member in the closed position according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 13B is a perspective view of a container of Figure 13A in a partially open position according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 14 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member with the reinforced perimeter and the base member of Figures 13A and 13B in the closed position according to another exemplary embodiment; Y

Figure 15 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the cover member with the reinforced perimeter and the base member of Figures 13A and 13B in the open position according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Next, the present invention will be described more deeply in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are shown, but not all. In fact, these inventions can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this description meets the applicable legal requirements. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout the document.

[0014] As indicated above, and in relation to Figures 1 and 2, some packages for maintaining food products (eg, chilled meats and cheeses) include a base member 10 and a cover member 20 which is attached to the base member and configured to detach from the base member (as depicted in figure 2) to give access to a cavity 30 in which the contents of the package are stored. For example, the cover member 20 may be attached to the base member 10 (at least in some locations) by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (PSA), so that, in some embodiments, the cover member 20 can be reattached to base member 10 by bringing the cover member back into contact with the base member.

[0015] In conventional packages having PSA 40 on a contact surface between the cover member 20 and the base member 10, the PSA is applied on the cover member 20, so that the PSA extends between an inner edge 12 of the base member and an outer edge 14 of the base member when the package is closed, as shown in the top view shown in Figure 3. When said conventional packages are in a refrigerated environment, the inventors have observed that they create stresses on the contact surface between the base member 10 and the cover member 20, which can create channels 50 in the PSA 40 (e.g., between the PSA and the base member), as shown in the Figure 4. For example, the cut lines formed in the cover member to facilitate the opening of the container and / or the reclosing and the anti-tampering characteristics can facilitate the formation of channels creating localized stress zones. When said channels 50 extend from the inner edge 12 of the base member 10 towards the outer edge 14 of the base member, as shown in Figure 4, liquids contained in the cavity 30 can be escaped outward from the container through of the channels 50, which cause filtration and affect the aesthetics, cleanliness, integrity, tightness and / or general appearance of the package for a potential consumer.

[0016] Through ingenuity and hard work, the inventors have developed a flexible reclosable container that includes a reinforced perimeter portion 60 of the cover member 20 that acts as a block or barrier for said channels 50, so that although they are formed said channels 50, prevent them from extending towards the outer edge 14 of the base member, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As a result, the liquids stored inside the container do not find a path towards the outside of the container and , therefore, they are contained inside the package, despite the formation of channels 50. Similarly, oxygen, moisture and other things that may be present in the environment of the package do not find a way to the inside or affect the contents of the container.

[0017] Various structures and methods are provided to provide the perimeter portion 60, depending on the types of materials used for the base member 10 and / or the cover member 20, and the environment of the package is designed to support ( e.g., refrigerated or at room temperature) different processes that the package will undergo (e.g. retort), and the type of seal used to fix the cover member 20 to the base member 10 (e.g. heat seal or seal) by compression). However, regardless of the concrete materials or the configuration of the perimeter portion 60, the embodiments of the invention described below in connection with Figures 7-15 provide a flexible package that includes a base member 10 which defines a cavity 30 configured to receive an article or product therein, as shown in figures 1 and 2 (where the article stored inside the cavity is not shown in order to facilitate explanation). The base member 10 may include a flange 15 (for example, a flange extending outwardly in a tray or container, as shown in Figures 7-12 or a molding or edge of a composite packaging can or cylindrical container as shown in Figures 13A-15), and the flange can define an outer edge 14.

[0018] In addition, the package may include a cover member 20 configured to join the base member 10 to cover the cavity 30 and keep the article inside the base member. The cover member 20 may be configured to detach from the base member 10 to give access to the cavity 30 and may be configured to close again in the base member 10 in some cases.

[0019] As described in more detail below in relation to each embodiment, the cover member 20 may comprise a first layer 70 which is configured to engage the flange 15 of the base member 10 and which extends at least towards the outer edge 14 of the flange. In some cases, as shown in Figures 7-13B, for example, at least a portion of the first layer may extend beyond (eg, outward) of the outer edge 14 of the flange 15, so that when the cover member 20 forms an opening tab 25 configured for a user to grip it to facilitate the cover member 20 detaching from the base member 10.

[0020] The cover member 20 may further comprise a second layer 80 that is laminated to the first layer 70 by an adhesive layer 45. The adhesive layer 45 may include one or more portions of adhesive, including, for example , a portion of PSA 40 and / or another portion of adhesive that is configured to separate from the first layer 70 when the cover member 20 is detached from the base member 10. Other portions of the adhesive layer 45 (eg, portions configured to keep the first layer 70 laminated in the second layer 80) may include a permanent adhesive portion 41. The adhesive portions (eg, the PSA portion 40 and the permanent adhesive portion 41) can be created, in some cases , by printing patterns. Cutting lines 23 may be provided to allow certain portions of the first layer 70 to be lifted with the cover member 20 and other portions 71 to remain with the base member 10, as described below in more detail.

[0021] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7-15, the cover member 20 may also comprise an ink layer 90 disposed on an inner surface 82 of the second layer 80, between the layer of adhesive 45 and the second layer 80. The ink layer 90 may include, for example, colors, designs and / or printed signs that a consumer can see through the second layer 80 to provide information about the article contained within the interior container and / or to make the package more desirable for acquisition by a potential consumer. The PSA portion 40 of the adhesive layer 45 may have a tendency to remain adjacent to the ink layer 90 due to the chemical properties of each of them, so that when the cover member 20 detaches from the member of base 10, the PSA has a tendency to remain next to the cover member instead of next to the portions 71 of the first layer 70 that remain attached to the base member 10, as described below.

[0022] Finally, as described below in more detail in relation to each specific embodiment, the cover member 20 may further comprise a perimeter portion 60 adjacent to an outer edge 48 of the PSA portion 40 (for example, adjacent and in contact with the PSA or separated from the PSA by a cutting line), so that the PSA is separated inwards from the outer edge 14 of the flange 15 by the perimeter portion 60.

In one embodiment, shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example, the base member 10 may be formed of a low density polyethylene material (LDPE), a high impact polystyrene material (HIPS) or other compatible material, and the perimeter portion 60 may be made with an emulsion of polyethylene (PE). In particular, the first layer 70 of the cover member 20 may comprise the PE emulsion, and the perimeter portion 60 may be defined by the first layer 70. The second layer 80 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or one or more protective films in some embodiments. An ink layer 90 can be printed on an inner surface 82 of the second layer 80, between the adhesive layer 45 and the second layer 80.

[0023] Thus, as depicted in Figures 7 and 8, the PE material of the first layer 70 may be thicker (for example, in a direction away from the flange 15) in the area of the perimeter portion 60 that in the area between the flange 15 and the PSA portion 40, such that an inner edge 62 of the perimeter portion 60 is adjacent to the outer edge 48 of the PSA portion 40. Accordingly, as previously described , the fact that the PE material of the perimeter portion 60 is adjacent with respect to the outer edge 48 of the PSA portion 40 of the adhesive layer 45 can prevent any channel from forming between the PSA and the underlying PE of the first layer 70 extends outwardly from the outer edge 48, thus preventing leaks from reaching the outer edge 14 of the base member 10.

[0024] The cover member 20 may be fixed to the base member 10 by heat sealing along the perimeter edge of the contact surface between the cover member and the base member, for example, at a location corresponding to a location of the perimeter portion 60. Accordingly, a user can open the package of Figures 7 and 8 by breaking or breaking the PE material of the first layer. For example, the force of a user pushing up (in relation to the embodiment represented in Figures 7 and 8) the cover member 20 can cause the first layer 70 to fracture on a contact surface of the first layer with the ink layer 90 and / or the second layer 80. In other cases, the fracture may occur between the first layer 70 and the flange 15.

[0025] In some cases, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cover member 20 may comprise a cutting line 22 between the PSA portion 40 and the perimeter portion 60. In order to facilitate the opening of the package, the cutting line 22 present therein can be extended, for example, at least partially through a thickness of the first layer 70, between the ink layer 90 / the second layer 80 and the base member 10, so that the cover member 20 is separated from the base member 10 by a contact surface disposed between the first layer 70 and the base member 10 on an external side of the cutting line 22 and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on an inner side of the cutting line, as shown in Figure 8. In this sense, an inner portion 71 of the first layer 70 can remain attached to the flange 15 of the member of base 10 while the portion of PSA 40 yl The portion of the first layer 70 corresponding to the perimeter portion 60 may remain with the cover member 20. Accordingly, the cover member 20 can be re-closed on the base member 10 after reapplying the cover member to the flange 15 of the base member to reconnect the PSA portion 40 with the corresponding inner portion 71 of the first layer 70.

[0026] In relation to this and other embodiments described herein, as used herein, the term "cut line" refers to a cut line that can be a cut that is mechanically formed ( for example, a die cut made with a blade), by means of a laser (such as a laser grooved line), or made in any other suitable way. In other additional cases, the cutting line may be a weak line, such as a line that does not completely cross the respective layer of material, a series of perforations. In some embodiment, such as the embodiments described herein, the cut line may be a rear cut line (for example, a cut line formed only on one side of the cover member 20, for example , on one side that subsequently joins the base member 10). By thus forming the cutting line (for example, on the side of the first layer of the cover member), one or more protective films such as the second layer 80 can be used, and one or more films of protection like the second layer, in which the protection films would remain intact and would not be affected by the rear cut lines, which would increase the structural integrity of the package.

[0027] In addition, additional cutting lines 23 may be provided inwardly in the cutting line 22 to ensure that the other portions of the first layer, for example, are detached from the base member 10 when the cover member 20 is removed , as described above. In this sense, the portions of the first layer superimposed on the cavity 30 can be removed from the base member 10 to allow user access to the cavity and its contents. For example, as indicated above, the portions of the first layer 70 can be adhered to the second layer 80 (and / or the ink layer 90) by permanent adhesive 41 at a location corresponding to the location of the cavity 30, and additional cutting lines 23 may be provided along a more outer perimeter of the permanent adhesive 41 to allow that portion of the first layer to detach from the cavity 30.

[0028] Regardless of the way in which they are formed, the cutting lines 22, 23 can be configured (for example, in terms of shape and size) to facilitate the opening of the container by a user (for example, taking off the cover member 20 of the base member 10). For example, the cutting line 22 can be positioned to provide an opening tab 25 on the cover member 20 to allow the user to more easily grasp the material of the cover member and detach the cover member from the base member 10. For example, in some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first layer 70 and the perimeter portion 60 may extend outwardly beyond the outer edge 14 of the flange 15 of the base member 10 and can define an opening tab 25. Thus, the flush cut formed between the first layer 70 and the flange 15 can provide an access area for the user to grab the cover member 20 and take it off the base member 10.

[0029] Although in the embodiment described above and represented in Figures 7 and 8, the perimeter portion 60 is defined by a thicker portion of the first layer 70, the perimeter portion 60 in other forms of The embodiment may be made of a different material and may be different from the first layer 70. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the perimeter portion 60 comprises permanent adhesive. In said embodiments, the base member 10 may comprise polypropylene (PP), and the cover member 20, in turn, may also comprise a form of P ^p to facilitate sealing the cover member 20 to the flange 15 of the base member 10 (for example, by heat sealing, as described above). For example, the cover member 20 may comprise molten polypropylene (CPP), oriented polypropylene (OPP) or metallized oriented polypropylene (mOPP), among other materials. The second layer 80 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or one or more protective films in some embodiments. An ink layer 90 can also be provided between the adhesive layer 45 and the second layer 80, as described above.

[0030] To facilitate a controlled separation of the cover member 20 from the base member 10, a fragile layer 75 can be provided, which can be a weak coating layer of the base member 10 or the first layer 70 of the cover member 20. In some cases, the fragile layer 75 may be a coating layer that is distributed in an extrudable sealant film or a weak heat seal coating distributed in the heat seal zone of the package, in the first layer 70 or the material forming the base member 10, such as a coating or sealant applied to the material that is configured to allow the first layer 70 to separate from the adhesive layer 45 (for example, in the permanent adhesive portions 41 of the layer of adhesive 45). The fragile layer 75 may include, for example, a contaminating material, such as a copolymer of butene or polybutylene to create a weak layer of material.

[0031] In the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, for example, a fragile layer 75 is provided on the contact surface between the first layer 70 and the adhesive layer 45, as depicted. In some cases, the fragile layer 75 may extend over the entire length between an inner edge 47 of the PSA portion 40 and an outer edge 28 of the cover member 20, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, while, In other embodiments, the fragile layer 75 may extend from the inner edge 47 of the PSA portion only part of the path to the outer edge 28, that is, only toward the vicinity of the opening tongue 25. Due to the presence of the fragile layer 75, the permanent adhesive portions of the adhesive layer 45 and / or the perimeter portion 60 that join the first layer 70 to the second layer 90 will cause the layers 70, 90 to separate into the fragile layer 75 (for example, fracturing the fragile layer), while the portions of PSA 40 joining the two layers 70, 90 can simply be lifted from the surface of the fragile layer 75, without necessarily breaking the fragile layer or the surrounding structures .

[0032] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the cover member 20 may comprise a cutting line 22 that extends through a thickness of the first layer 70 (for example, in a direction opposite to the flange 15 and extending between the flange and the adhesive layer 45). The cutting line 22 may be disposed outwardly of the outer edge 14 of the flange 15 to define the opening tongue 25. The joint between the permanent adhesive of the perimeter portion 60 and the material of the first layer 70 in the area of the opening tongue 25 in such embodiments may be stronger than the joint between the PSA portion 40 and the corresponding portion of the first layer, so that when a user grasps the opening tongue 25 and pulls the member of cover 20 in an outward direction of the base member 10, a controlled breakage occurs between the adhesive layer 45 and the first layer 70 towards the inside of the cutting line 22, allowing the cover member 20 to detach from the base member 10. In this sense, an inner portion 71 of the first layer 70 may remain adhered to the flange 15 of the base member 10, while the PSA portion 40 and the perimeter portion 60 (po For example, the permanent adhesive) can remain with the cover member 20. Accordingly, the cover member 20 can be closed again in the base member 10 after reapplying the cover member to the flange 15 of the base member to reconnect the PSA portion 40 with the corresponding internal portion 71 of the first layer 70. As described above in relation to Figures 7 and 8, one or more of the first layer 70, the layer of adhesive 45, the ink layer 90 and / or the second layer 80 can (n) extend into the edge of the flange 15, and additional cut lines 23, as shown, can be provided to ensure that the cavity is opened adequately to give access to the items contained inside the package.

[0033] In other additional embodiments, the fragile layer 75 may be disposed on the contact surface between the first layer 70 and the flange 15 of the base member 10, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, for example, creating a weak overlay layer of the flange using a method similar to that described above in relation to the first layer 70. [0032] As in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the base member 10 may be made of a PP material, the first layer 70 may be made of CPP, and the second layer 80 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or one or more protective films in some embodiments. An ink layer 90 can be provided between the adhesive layer 45 and the second layer 80. The perimeter portion 60 may comprise permanent adhesive, and the cover member 20 may comprise a cutting line 22 that extends through a thickness of the first layer 70 (eg, in a direction opposite to the flange 15) at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the PSA portion 40 and the perimeter portion 60 to define the opening tab 25. The cutting line 22 can be extended, for example, at least partially through the first layer 70 between the base member 10 and the adhesive layer 45 (and, in some embodiments, can be extended, at least partially, through the adhesive layer, for example, on or near a contact surface between the PSA 40 and the adjacent permanent adhesive or through one or the other).

[0034] In this regard, the cover member 20 may be configured to be able to separate from the base member 10 in the fragile layer 75 on an external side of the cutting line 22, as shown in Figure 12, and in a contact surface disposed between the PSA portion and the first layer 70 on an inner side of the cutting line. As described above in relation to the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10, the joint between the permanent adhesive of the perimeter portion 60 and the material of the first layer 70 in the area of the opening tongue 25 in such embodiments may, again, be stronger than the joint between the PSA portion 40 and the corresponding portion 71 of the first layer 70, such that, when a user grasps the opening tab 25 and pulls the cover member 20 in an outward direction of the base member 10, a controlled breakage occurs between the adhesive layer 45 and the first layer 70 towards the inside of the cutting line 22 and between the first layer 70 and the flange 15 towards the outside of the cutting line 22, thereby allowing the cover member 20 to detach from the base member 10. In this sense, an inner portion 71 of the first layer 70 can remain adhered to the flange 15 of the member of ba 10, while the PSA portion 40 and the perimeter portion 60 (for example, permanent adhesive) can remain with the cover member 20. Accordingly, the cover member 20 can be resealed in the member of base 10 after reapplying the cover member to the flange 15 of the base member to reconnect the PSA 40 with the corresponding inner portion 71 of the first layer 70. As in the embodiments described above, additional cutting lines 23 may be provided in portions of the cover member into the portions shown to facilitate opening of the container.

[0035] In some cases, aspects of the embodiments described above may be applied in relation to Figures 7-12 in other types of packages that do not include a base member configured in the form of a container. Turning now to Figures 13A-15, for example, a cylindrical salt-type container can be provided that incorporates a perimeter portion to prevent or reduce the occurrence of leaks (out or into the container), as described above. in relation to other embodiments.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figures 13A-15, for example, the base member 10 comprises a cylindrical container, which can be a composite can with a polymeric sealant (eg, PP ) or an injection molded PP container. In the embodiment shown, the cover member 20 may be configured such that, when detached from the base member 10, at least a portion of the first layer 70 of the cover member remains attached and covers the open end 17 of the cylindrical container In said embodiments, the first layer 70 can define holes 77, so that the container can be used as a filter or salt shaker (for example, to dispense the contents of the container by inverting the container after detaching the cover member to allow the content out through the holes), as described in more detail below.

[0037] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, for example, the first layer 70 (which may be made of CPP in some embodiments) may be adhered (for example, by heat sealing, as described above) to a edge or flange 15 of the cylindrical base member, as depicted. The first layer 70 may have holes 77 perforated through a thickness of the film to allow the product to be dispensed after opening the package. A fragile layer 75 in the material of the first layer 70 can be provided on a contact surface between the first layer 70 and an adhesive layer 45, where the adhesive layer 45 includes a PSA zone 40 (for example, in a central zone corresponding to the location of the holes 77 defined in the first layer 70).

[0038] As described above in relation to the embodiment of the figures, the perimeter portion 60 in the embodiment shown in Figures 13A-15 may, in some cases, comprise a permanent adhesive. Thus, the permanent adhesive that forms the perimeter portion 60 can be in the form of a ring when the container is viewed from above. Also, in some embodiments, an ink layer 90 can be applied on an inner surface 82 of the second layer 80, where the second layer 80 is made of a PET material or a protective film. In other additional embodiments, the second layer 80 may comprise a laminated film (not shown) having more than one layer of laminated film together. For example, the second layer 80 may comprise an oxygen protection film that is laminated in a moisture protection film.

[0039] When the cover member 20 detaches from the base member 10, for example, when a user pulls an opening tab 25 (Figure 13A), the adhesion between the permanent adhesive of the perimeter portion 60 and the layer Fragile 75 can serve to produce a failure of the fragile layer in those portions adhered to the permanent adhesive. In other portions of the cover member 20, such as in which the PSA portion 40 is adhered to the fragile layer 75, the adhesive layer 45, the ink layer 90 and the second layer 80 can be detached from the first layer 70 due to the low adhesive strength of the PSA in the fragile layer and / or the underlying material of the first layer, as depicted in Figure 15. Thus, by detaching the cover member 20 from the base member 10, they can be exposed the holes 77 of the first layer 10, and the product can be dispensed from the package. To facilitate the cover member to detach properly, cut lines 22 can be provided in the adhesive layer, for example, a cut line formed between the perimeter portion 60 and the PSA portion 40.

[0040] In any of the embodiments depicted in Figures 7-15 and previously described, one or more additional packaging features may be used in conjunction with those described above. For example, anti-tampering features can be provided to allow a user to visually identify if a package has been previously opened. In relation to the embodiment of Figures 13A-15, for example, the opening tab 25 may initially be held (for example, with glue) on an outer surface 13 of the base member 10, as shown in the figure 13B. A user who opens the container for the first time would pull the opening tab 25 to separate it from the outer surface 13 and continue to peel the cover member 20 from the base member 10 to open the container. Once opened, although the cover member 20 can be reattached to the base member 10 by the PSA 40, the separation condition of the opening tongue 25 would serve as a visual indicator that the original seal of the package has already been broken.

[0041] In addition to the various embodiments of packages described above in relation to Figures 7-15, embodiments of a method for manufacturing a flexible package are also provided. Embodiments of the method include the formation of a base member that has a cavity configured to receive an article therein and a flange, where the flange defines an outer edge. A first layer of material can be laminated into a second layer of material to form a cover member that joins the base member to form the package. For example, the cover member may be formed by applying a pressure sensitive adhesive between the first and second layer and creating a perimeter portion between the first and second layer that is disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the adhesive sensitive to the pressure, so that the pressure sensitive adhesive is separated inward from the outer edge of the flange.

[0042] In some cases, the cover member may be attached to the base member at a location corresponding to the perimeter portion, so that the cover member covers the cavity and keeps the article inside the base member. At least a portion of the cover member may be configured to detach from the base member to give access to the cavity and, in addition, may be configured to re-close in the base member by means of the pressure sensitive adhesive, as described above

[0043] In some embodiments, a cutting line can be created through a thickness of at least the first layer before joining the cover member to the base member. The cutting line can define an opening tongue towards the outside of the cutting line that a user can grasp to detach the cover member from the base member to give access to the cavity, as described above.

[0044] As set forth in more detail below, the perimeter portion can be created in various ways depending on the materials involved, the types of packaging that are made and their intended uses, etc. For example, the perimeter portion can be created by forming a thicker area of the first layer, for example, using a polyethylene emulsion. The cutting line between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the perimeter portion can be created so that the cover member is separated from the base member by a contact surface disposed between the first layer and the base member in a outer side of the cutting line and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on an inner side of the cutting line.

[0045] In other cases, the perimeter portion can be created by applying permanent adhesive to a perimeter zone of the first layer, so that the permanent adhesive is disposed adjacent to the outer edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive. A fragile layer can be created between the adhesive layer and the first layer, and the cutting line can be extended through a thickness of the first layer to the outside of the outer edge of the flange to define the opening tab.

[0046] In other embodiments, a fragile layer can be created between the first layer and the flange of the base member, and the cutting line can be extended through a thickness of the first layer at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the portion of perimeter, so that the cover member can be separated from the base member by the fragile layer on an outer side of the cutting line and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the first layer on one side Internal cutting line.

[0047] In some cases, a layer of ink may be applied on an inner surface of the second layer between the pressure sensitive adhesive and the second layer. In addition, the cover member may be heat sealed in the base member at a location corresponding to the perimeter portion to join the cover member to the base member.

[0048] The embodiments of the package described above have different materials and, in some cases, different structures and methods for forming the perimeter portion. Although some of said structures and features are described in relation to a particular embodiment, it is understood that various combinations of the features can be applied to other embodiments described herein. For example, each of the embodiments of Figures 7-15 may be configured to include an anti-tamper feature, such as the anti-tamper feature described in relation to Figures 13A-15. In addition, as indicated above, some of the previously described figures have been simplified in order to facilitate the explanation, so that not all portions of the components, including the portions of the base member, of the first and the first are represented. second layer of cover member, die cuts, adhesive layers, etc. It is to be understood that the portions of these components may be configured to provide additional desirable qualities to the package, for example, to facilitate the opening and closing of the container, reclosing, protective properties, etc.

Claims (13)

1. Flexible container comprising: a base member (10) defining a cavity (30) configured to receive an article therein, the base member (10) comprising a flange (15), where the flange (15) defines an outer edge (14) ; and a cover member (20) configured to join the base member (10) to cover the cavity (30) and keep the article inside the base member (10), where the cover member (20) is configured to detach from the base member (10) to give access to the cavity (30) and is configured to close again in the base member (10), where the cover member (20) comprises: a first layer (70) configured to wrap the flange (15) of the base member (10) and extending at least towards the outer edge (14) of the flange (15), a second layer (80) laminated in the first layer (70) by an adhesive layer (45), where the adhesive layer (45) comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive (40) that is configured to separate from the first layer (70) when at least a portion of the cover member (20) is detached from the base member (10), a perimeter portion (60) adjacent an outer edge (48) of the pressure sensitive adhesive (40), so that the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) is inwardly spaced from the outer edge (14) of the flange (15) by the perimeter portion (60) and a cutting line (22) between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the perimeter portion (60), characterized in that the cutting line (22) extends at least partially through a thickness of the first layer (70) towards the base member (10), so that the cover member (20) is separated from the base member (10) by a contact surface disposed between the first layer (70) and the base member ( 10) on an outer side of the cutting line (22) and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the first layer (70) on an inner side of the cutting line (22) . 2. Flexible container according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter portion (60) is defined by the first layer (70). 3. Flexible container according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (70) and the perimeter portion (60) extend outwardly beyond the outer edge of the flange (15) of the base member (10) and define a tongue of opening (25). 4. Flexible container according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter portion (60) comprises permanent adhesive (41). 5. Flexible container according to claim 4, further comprising a fragile layer (75) between the adhesive layer (45) and the first layer (70); Y optionally, where the cover member (20) comprises a cutting line (22) that extends through a thickness of the first layer (70) outward of the outer edge (14) of the flange (15) to define a opening tab (25). A flexible container according to claim 4, further comprising a fragile layer (75) between the first layer (70) and the flange (15) of the base member (10); Y optionally, where the cover member (20) comprises a cutting line (22) that extends through a thickness of the first layer (70) at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the perimeter portion (60), where the cutting line (22) extends at least partially through a thickness of the first layer (70) between the base member (10) and the adhesive layer (45), so that the cover member (20) can be separated from the base member (10) in the fragile layer (75) on an external side of the cutting line (22) and on an arranged contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the first layer (70) on an inner side of the cutting line (22). 7. Flexible container according to claim 1, wherein the cover member (20) further comprises an ink layer (90) disposed on an inner surface of the second layer (80) between the adhesive layer (45) and the second layer (80); or wherein the second layer (80) of the cover member (20) comprises a protective material. 8. Method for manufacturing a flexible container, the method comprising: forming a base member (10) having a cavity (30) configured to receive an article therein and a flange (15), where the flange (15) defines an outer edge (14); laminate a first layer (70) of material into a second layer (80) of material to form a cover member (20) by: the application of a pressure sensitive adhesive (40) between the first (70) and the second layer (80), and the creation of a perimeter portion (60) between the first (70) and the second layer (80 ) that is arranged adjacent to an outer edge (48) of the pressure sensitive adhesive (40), so that the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) is separated inwardly from the outer edge (14) of the flange (15) ); the creation of a cutting line (22) through a thickness of at least the first layer (70), where the cutting line (22) defines an opening tab (25) towards the outside of the cutting line ( 22) that a user can grab to detach the cover member (20) from the base member (10) to give access to the cavity (30), where the creation of the cutting line (22) comprises the creation of the cutting line (22) between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the perimeter portion (60), so that the cover member (20) is separated from the base member (10) by a contact surface disposed between the first layer (70) and the base member (10) on an external side of the cutting line (22) and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the first layer ( 70) on an inner side of the cutting line (22), and the attachment of the cover member (20) to the base member (10) in a location corresponding to the perimeter portion (60), such that the cover member (20) covers the cavity (30) and keeps the article in the interior of the base member (10), where at least a portion of the cover member (20) is configured to detach from the base member (10) to give access to the cavity (30) and is configured to close again in the base member (10) by the pressure sensitive adhesive (40). Method according to claim 8, wherein the creation of the perimeter portion (60) comprises the formation of a thicker area using a polyethylene emulsion of the first layer. 10. Method according to claim 8, wherein the creation of the perimeter portion (60) comprises the application of permanent adhesive (41) to a perimeter zone of the first layer (70), so that the permanent adhesive (41) is it has adjacent to the outer edge (48) of the pressure sensitive adhesive (40). Method according to claim 10, further comprising the creation of a fragile layer (75) between the adhesive layer and the first layer (70), wherein the cutting line (22) extends through a thickness of the first layer (70) towards the outside of the outer edge (14) of the flange (15) to define the opening tab (25). Method according to claim 10, further comprising the creation of a fragile layer (75) between the first layer (70) and the flange (15) of the base member (10), where the cutting line (22) it extends through a thickness of the first layer (70) at a location corresponding to a contact surface between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the perimeter portion (60), such that the cover member ( 20) can be separated from the base member (10) by the fragile layer (75) on an external side of the cutting line (22) and by a contact surface disposed between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the First layer (70) on an inner side of the cutting line (22). 13. Method according to claim 8, further comprising applying an ink layer (90) on an inner surface (82) of the second layer (80) between the pressure sensitive adhesive (40) and the second layer (80 ); or further comprising the heat sealing of the cover member (20) to the base member (10) at a location corresponding to the perimeter portion (60).